DEVAS FAMILY RESOURCE MATERIAL

This web site represents a sort of electronic scapbook and is being progressively expanded to include archive information and links regarding the Devas and related families. Corrections or suggestions for additional links or information are very welcome, just leave a message.

The origin of the family name has for long been a matter of debate, but it now seems conclusively established that Devas is an english name with roots in Yorkshire, and is a variant spelling of Devis, Devers, Davies and a number of similar names, all spelt in the 17th century and earlier phonetically, interchangably and without consistency, even within legal documents.

You each have to put in some work to have a healthy marriage if you want to compare with the 50 years marriage of your parents, who deserve perfect gifts for their golden wedding anniversary from their children. So, here are ten actions you can take to enhance your marriage:

1) Spend Time Together

Spending time together to talk about what is happening in your lives is very important. Take time to understand your partner’s needs, wishes, strengths and weaknesses. When you understand the differences between you, you become stronger and dealing with any problems that arise becomes much easier. You can talk when you’re doing the dishes, on a night out or when cuddling on the sofa at home.

2) Manage Conflict kindly

You are two different people, so you’re not always going to agree on everything. Learn to argue without shouting or swearing. When an issue arises, ask yourself if it’s something you want to spend time discussing. Pick your battles! Don’t throw accusations at your spouse. Take responsibility and don’t pass on all the blame to your partner. Listen to understand what your partner is saying. Don’t interrupt. Remain calm honest, kind and learn to compromise.

3) Always be respectful

Treat your spouse the same way you want to be treated and the bond between you will be strong. Be sincere with your appreciation of their support and say ‘Thank you’ for their help. Criticisms and put-downs will damage your relationship. Never be tempted to say something about your partner that puts them in a poor light (unless you feel in danger because of their behaviour).

Renaissance wedding ceremonies were very unique. Many tend to think they were more a civil wedding than a church wedding.

Here are some of the features that makes this ceremony unique and interesting:

Hand fasting

This symbolized the tying of the knot. The held each other hand and then a cloak was tied to their hands. In other places it was symbolized by cutting a lock of hair of both the partners and tying a knot, or also drinking out from same cup.

Flowers on their heads

Brides preferred wearing a woven flower around their head. They always matched the flowers to the dresses they wore. It symbolized fertility.

Tiered cake

Guest usually brought smalls cakes which they were piled together and if the couple would be able to kiss on top of the cakes without knocking them down, it meant good luck to their marriage.

Throwing rice

After the celebration they used to throw rice on the wedding couple.
This was good luck because it symbolized fertility.

The Italian renaissance wedding had 4 different stages. It included impalmamento, sponsalia, matrimonium, nozze. These occasions were widely spread and could take even years to be completed.

The first stage was impalmamento which was the handshake earlier mentioned that sealed the wedding. This was actually the first time that both families met, before this they used a neutral intermediate to coordinate the negotiation. It was not necessary on the money negotiation but as time passed money became compulsory.

Weddings are events that begun long time ago and they are being practiced today. This event brings together different families with different cultural practices. The commonly used word bride means cook according to the Teutonic words .initially the dressing of the bridesmaids was similar including the veil to prevent the evil spirits from touching the bridal couple on the wedding day. The bride and the bridegroom wore blue band around their waist to show commitment and being faithful to each other. They also had a silver sixpence that meant prosperity and good luck for the married people. Receiving an engagement ring is also an old tradition and these rings are usually made of glass. Tradition states that the ring should be put on the fourth finger because is believed that there is a vein which runs from this finger straight to the heart, and this is till practiced till today.

Marriage days and times

Traditionally most marriages are done on Saturdays but those who still believe in the past choose on days according to what it meant. Each day of the week had its meaning like Monday meant marriage for wealth, Tuesday meant marriage for health, Wednesday meant marriage for the best day of all, Thursday meant marriage for crosses, and Friday meant marriage for no luck at all. The romans believed in making their marriages in the month of June because it a month of blessings from juno the queen of gods and the protector of all marriages.

Presence of groomsmen

According to the tradition the presence of the groomsmen in the wedding ceremonies showed some security. This was applicable in the old days where the bride was kidnapped. They also prevented fights where the family of the bride wanted to stop that marriage.